Conservation Areas (81)
253 Winding Way
Ottawa, Ontario
Phone: 613-692-3571 ext. 1100
Open year round
Dawn to dusk
subject to winter conditions
Activities and Amenities
This wonderful 23-acre parcel of conservation land is located on the west bank of the Rideau River on Prince of Wales Drive between Winding Way and Lodge Road. It consists mainly of natural river shoreline, wetlands and flood plain areas that are unique in the City of Ottawa. It forms a passive recreational area for the Chapman Mills community. Parking is located off Winding Way. Come enjoy the picnic shelter, scenic lookouts along the trail, walkways and boardwalks that lead pedestrians on a 1.5 km stroll through some sensitive and beautiful habitats, and read the interpretive signs telling the environmental story at points along the path.
The land for Chapman Mills Conservation Areas was a gift to the people of the Rideau Valley from the South Nepean Development Corporation, along with additional land ceded from Parks Canada. Minto Development Inc. provided the development funds necessary to carry out the improvements for public use of Chapman Mills Conservation Area.
Trails: 1.5km
Download the PDF
Open Avenza map
Please use caution on the water! The Rideau River is part of a busy navigation channel.It is every boater's responsibility to know the hazards along their route and to ensure they have proper safety equipment on board. For a list of required equipment and complete rules and regulations, visit Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety and read the Safe Boating Guide. Please note that swimming is prohibited at Chapman Mills Conservation Area.
Special Feature - Fish Habitat Creation Projects
Chapman Mills Conservation Area is the site of two “fish habitat compensation projects” to improve the quantity and quality of fish habitat along the Rideau River shoreline within the City of Ottawa.
Interpretive signs created for the projects
Fish Habitat Creation at Chapman Mills (click to enlarge)
Habitat Enhancement at Chapman Mills - click to enlarge
With support through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program/Avec l’appui du Programme d’infrastructure communautaire de Canada 150.
Insect Study
Put on your detective’s hat and investigate some incredible insects. Students use nets and containers to collect as many different creatures as they can. Learn about what makes an insect an insect and how they have adapted to their environment, and what makes them so special to the natural world. This program compliments Pond Ecology and the two go well together as a full day of program.
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3, 4
- Season Spring, Summer
Instincts for Survival
How do animals survive in their habitats? What are the skills of a predator? What is the human impact on animal life? Do you have the instincts for survival? This active wide game will help students understand some of the realities of the animal world and have a bunch of fun at the same time!
Additional Info
- Grade 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
4774 Briton-Houghton Bay Road
Rideau Lakes, Ontario
Phone: 613-692-3571 ext. 1100
Open year round
Dawn to dusk
subject to winter conditions
Activities and Amenities
Peaceful and serene, Mill Pond has six kilometres of wilderness trails. Take a hike through the park and stop for a quiet picnic in the sugar bush or at the covered picnic shelter. Mill Pond has a boat launch (car top only) for those who would like to enjoy a quiet canoe trip.
Trails: 6km
Download the PDF
Open Avenza map
Please use caution on the water! The Rideau River is part of a busy navigation channel. It is every boater's responsibility to know the hazards along their route and to ensure they have proper safety equipment on board. For a list of required equipment and complete rules and regulations, visit Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety and read the Safe Boating Guide.
Naturally Artistic
Get inspired by nature and the work of artist Andy Goldsworthy. Students will use the concepts of colour, form, shape, pattern, light and shadow to create a piece of natural art that will be photographed. They will then have the opportunity to express their experiences through writing.
Additional Info
- Grade K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall
1392 N Anderson Rd
Phone: 613-692-3571 ext. 1100
Open year round
Dawn to dusk
subject to winter conditions
Activities and Amenities
The Meisel Woods Conservation Area is 130-acres of excellent Precambrian Shield land. It is a forested natural area with plants, animals and landscape typical of the headwaters of the Tay and Upper Rideau watershed. The property surrounds a 60-acre, headwaters lake known as Beaver or Bass Lake and includes additional waterfrontage on Crow Lake.
The property was generously donated to the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation by John Meisel in 2000. Mr. Meisel’s interest is that the property remain undeveloped. That wish will be respected. The goal of the new Meisel Woods Conservation Area is environmental protection. The only improvements foreseen are along the trail, with the creation of a small parking lot and a sign.
Trails: 5km
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Open Avenza map
Special Feature - In Loving Memory — The Sandi Slater Memorial Walk
Joe and Sandi Slater, neighbours of Mr. Meisel, regularly walked through the woods and around the lake for recreation and tranquility. On the sudden passing of Mrs. Slater in the spring of 2003, and with the collaboration of Mr. Meisel, memorial gifts were directed towards the establishment of the Sandi Slater Memorial Walk. The Walk is now a central feature of the new Meisel Woods Conservation Area and more safety and access improvements are planned in the future. Phase one is complete, and with your generous donations, we can complete phase two of the trail that will lead around Bass Lake — that same trail of peace, quiet and reflection that the Slaters had enjoyed for many years.
With Thanks
The opening of this new public property in Central Frontenac is the result of a whole community of effort and all involved are to be heartily congratulated on their thoughtful and generous gesture. In particular, Mr. John Meisel, Professor Emeritus of Queens University, Mr Joe Slater, dedicated and hardworking community gentleman, and the many donors and volunteers to the cause deserve our heartfelt gratitude. The property is a major investment in the quality of life in Central Frontenac and the upper Rideau watershed.
Animals and Habitats
Through a variety of interactive games and a nature hike, students will learn about the amazing animals (birds, mammals, insects, amphibians and reptiles) here at Baxter, the habitats they live in and what they need in order to survive (i.e. food, water,adaptations).
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3, 4
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall
A Bug’s Life
Put on your detective’s hat and investigate some incredible insects. Students use nets and containers to collect as many different critters as they can to learn about what makes a bug a bug, how they have adapted to their environment, and what makes them so special to the natural world.
Additional Info
- Grade K, 1, 2, 3
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall
63 Royal York Street
Richmond, Ontario
Phone: 613-692-3571 ext. 1100
Open year round
Dawn to dusk
subject to winter conditions
Activities and Amenities
A wonderful waterfront picnic area with a dock to launch canoes and kayaks for a quiet trip on the Jock River.
Trails: 0.4km
Download the PDF 
Open Avenza map
Special Features
- Short nature trail
- Car top boat launch
Please use caution on the water! The Rideau River is part of a busy navigation channel. It is every boater's responsibility to know the hazards along their route and to ensure they have proper safety equipment on board. For a list of required equipment and complete rules and regulations, visit Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety and read the Safe Boating Guide.
Spring Water Awareness Program (S.W.A.P.) Resources
The RVCA is pleased to offer resources to teachers interested in promoting spring water awareness. As winter turns to spring, snow and ice begin to melt and waterways begin to fill up with cold, fast moving water. Children are often interested in exploring rushing streams and thawing ponds during the warm days of spring. However, these areas can be unsafe and it is important to teach students the dangers of these areas. Please go to the following link for more information: www.rvca.ca/outdoor-education/spring-water-awareness-program
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Season Spring
More...
Geology Rocks!
Visit Spy Rock and hear amazing tales from the last billion years of geological history in the area. Then, explore some other geological interests and take an up close and personal look at some different rocks and minerals.
Additional Info
- Grade 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall
500 County Rd 1
Lombardy, Ontario K7A 4S4
Phone: 613-692-3571 ext. 1100
Open year round
Dawn to dusk
subject to winter conditions
Activities and Amenities
A simple, quiet spot to reconnect with nature. Enjoy a scenic view of the impressive Hutton Creek Marsh. Take a short stroll to a bench along the babbling Hutton Creek.
Trails: 0.5 km
Special Features
- Scenic view of the Hutton Creek Marsh
- Retired, historic Motts Mills Dam
- Newly constructed Motts Mills Berm
- Short trail
Download the PDF Open Avenza map
Seeds of Change
Fall is a wonderful time of year to explore the change of seasons. By looking at leaves and seeds, students will discover the concept of change, the life cycle of plants, and how the forest prepares for winter. Where do seeds come from? What do they look like? Where do they go and how do they move around?
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3
- Season Fall
Beaver Pond Bonanza
Beavers aren’t the only critters in our pond! Using nets, basins, and fact sheets, students will get up close and personal with the animals that call the pond home. Hear stories of how these curious critters have adapted to life under water and how they fit into the food chain.
Additional Info
- Grade K, 1, 2, 3, 4
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall
